Occupational Therapist Salary in Akron, OH: $101,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Akron, OH earns a median $101,535/year (≈ $48.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Akron's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $108,745 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the projected median annual occupational therapist salary stands at $101,535 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary spectrum ranges from $65,402 at the 10th percentile to $125,857 at the 90th percentile, reflecting significant variability in earnings based on various factors including employment settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNF), and school districts. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected for 2026, highlights a local healthcare market that offers diverse opportunities for occupational therapists, who may choose between year-round positions or seasonal contracts that align with the academic calendar.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,402 | $31.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,643 | $41.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,535 | $48.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,242 | $55.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,857 | $60.51 |
Median Salary Position
1.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
In Akron, OH, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,455 (2026 est.). At $101,535, the local median is 1.8% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Akron Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Akron median: $101,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Akron Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $101,332 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.80% less |
Occupational Therapists in Akron, OH earn a median of $101,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% above the Ohio state average of $101,332.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Akron has a cost of living 6.63% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Akron, OH has a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $101,535 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,745 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,470
2025 BLS Actual
$98,520
2026 Current Est.
$101,535
2019–2027 Growth
+21.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,520 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,642 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Akron metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 13.9% from $86,470 (2019) to $98,520 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,642 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,172 (21.02%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,402 – $85,643 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,643 – $101,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,535 – $115,242 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,242 – $125,857 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Akron
With approximately 430 occupational therapists currently employed in Akron, the local job market displays strength albeit with a cost-of-living index of 93.37, indicating a lower-than-average living expense compared to national standards. This affordability enhances take-home pay for professionals in the area. Among various employers, hospitals typically offer the highest salaries followed by skilled nursing facilities, while outpatient clinics and school districts tend to pay less. Factors influencing income disparities include additional certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, which can command higher pay, as well as the rigidity of productivity expectations and contract durations. For those considering how much do occupational therapists make in Akron, pursuing specialized certifications and seeking hospital roles may provide effective strategies to maximize compensation in this evolving market.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,520 for occupational therapistsin the Akron metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov